Recycling and Donation Resources

Over 99% of the things we purchase become trash within 6 months!

The following nationwide resources are provided to assist
companies and families to recycle and donate unwanted goods.

Choose the category below to find specific resources. Please contact the organization directly for more detailed
information. If you don't see your category or item mentioned,
try National Recycling Resources for a listing of
general recycling organizations that offer more information.

Bags, Purses & Suitcases

Cycla, LLC
Assists Thrift Stores and other secondary businesses recycle their clothing, shoes, other textiles, purses, belts, backpacks, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, mixed plastics and household metals. Recycle That is a sister consumer-focused organization that partners with charities and community groups to provide fundraising opportunities via recycling for similar items.

Suitcases for Kids
The donate used bags and suitcases to
children moving into or out of state
care and shelters. Often these kids
only have trash bags to carry their
belongings. Distribution is only
in the Massachusetts area but they
accept donations nationwide. See
the ‘donate’ page for
more details and information.

Batteries

Batteries Plus
Across the country, Batteries Plus stores accept all batteries for recycling.

Battery Solutions, Inc.
Accepts batteries from around the country. There is a small cost of .85 cents a pound to recycle your batteries which goes to support the program.

Rechargeable Recycling Battery Corporation
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) can help you recycle your portable rechargeable batteries. These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras. They have drop off locations nationwide at Home Depot, Sears, Target and Staples. See their website for specific locations.

Western Disposal
Western Disposal, located in Boulder, CO, will accept all household batteries from local Boulder County residents. Batteries must be dropped off at their facility located at 5880 Butte Mill Road, Boulder.

Bikes

Bicycles for Humanity
This organization collects used and broken bicycles across the globe to repair and recycle them. The re-purposed bikes are then shipped to community based organizations in developing countries. To recycle or donate bikes, contact the local USA Bicycles for Humanity chapter in your area.

Bikes for the World
They accept any adult or children's bicycles even ones that have a missing tire, seat or pedal. They also accept tandems, recumbents, adult tricycles, trail-a-bikes, and even unicycles. They also accept usable bicycle parts including tubes, tires, wheels, chains, pedals, saddles, cables, and mountain bike handlebars. The bicycle accessories they accept include helmets, pumps, locks, gloves, chains (for locks), bicycle books and manuals, and hand tools including general tools such as wrenches and screw drivers, as well as specialized bike tools. The bikes they collect are given to lower income people in developing countries.

Community Cycles
A Boulder, Colorado based program that refurbishes and recycles bikes for return back into the community.

Working Bikes Cooperative
An organization that collects used and old bikes and ships them to developing countries in South America and Africa. Drop off centers located throughout the IL state area. For shipping information please go to the website.

Books

Blue Rectangle
Will buy used books and textbooks. Go to their website and log in the ISBN number to see if it is a book they will take. If so, they pay for shipping with our their postage-paid mailing label.

Books for Africa
This organization ships college text books, children's books, science and math books, dictionaries to African schools. Books must be in excellent to good condition. See website for more complete donation guidelines and shipping address.

Books for Soldiers
Offers a process that individuals can donate books, DVD's and games to U.S. troops directly. Individuals must register as an 'official volunteer' with the program and do pay for shipping directly. Troops prefer paper back books, magazines and comics. Most have access to DVD players. Click on the site's FAQs for more specific information and details on the program.

Literacy Link
This is a volunteer tutoring program operating in a small, rural community in Southwest New Mexico. They tutor adults and children, to those who are learning English as second language or cannot afford to buy books for themselves. They can use books for teens and adults primarily for their ESL Program. Donations can be sent via mail to their offices directly.

Public Libraries
All public libraries will accept used books. They will usually sort through them, add relevant ones to their own catalog and then sell remaining books in the annual book sales.

Recycle
Books
They offer an outlet to donate new and used, unwanted books, DVDs, CDs, VHS
tapes, textbooks, and software. They reuse most of the books donated. Books
of value are sold to raise money for their organization, some are donated to
other good causes and those books that cannot be placed are recycled for paper
content. Local pickup available in the Denver area or you can send books to
them from other national U.S. cities.

Sprout Classrooms
They purchase quality used classroom resources from retiring teachers, teachers who are changing grades, and teachers who are cleaning out their classrooms and then make the resources available to current teachers.

Used Book Stores
Most used book stores accept used books and will usually offer credit in their stores. Just Google 'used book store' plus your city and state and you will be able to find one near you.

Bottle Caps

Aveda
Aveda now has a program that will recycle bottle caps, a material that has been in the past un-recyclable. They will accept all screw caps that are hard plastic, usually the #5 in the recycle arrows. This includes twist tops on bottles, flip tops from tube or food products and other screw-type rigid lids. Please do not send any flexible or soft lids like on tubs. For more details on type of caps and where to send them, email Aveda directly at capcollection@aveda.com.

Weisenback Reycled Products
They accept clean plastic bottle caps, plastic jap caps, flip top caps from personal care products and flexible snap on lids (e.g. butter or dairy lids) and convert them into other products. They also accept all #5 plastic containers such as yogurt cups, butter tubs and some tupperware containers. You can ship them to 437 Holtzman Avenue, Colombus, Ohio 43205.

Carpets

ReVolve Carpet Recycling
Based in Broomfield, Colorado, ReVolve Recycling will recycle all commercial carpet. They do not have a website but are located at 3401 Industrial Lane, Broomfield, CO 80220. Phone: 720-212-9375, revolve.recycling@gmail.com

Cars and Motor Vehicles

1-800-charitycars
A 501(C)3 national non-profit car donation charity which accepts vehicles in any condition. The charity uses donations to provide reliable transportation to victims of domestic violence, military veterans, struggling families, and disabled children.

Action Donation Services
Offers nationwide service to donate a car, boat, motorhome, RV or truck to a non-profit organization. They provide free towing and process all required DMV and IRS documents for donors.

Cars for Causes
Accepts car donations, fixes them up and re-sells them in an 'affordable transportation' program for low-income families. They donate the proceeds to the donors preferred charity. They have over 10,000 various charities to choose from. Cars that cannot be repaired, are then recycled for parts and scrap metal.

Cars for Charity
A local Colorado non-profit organization that accepts cars for use with other non-profit organizations.

Charity for Causes
Charity for Causes is a religious based non-profit that accepts donated vehicles, sells them and then assists financially those people in need including low-income families, veterans, women, children as well as other non-profit organizations. They accept used cars, boats, trailers, RV's, campers and aircraft.

Compassion International
Compassion International supports children all over the world who live in poverty. They have partnered with iDonate which sells your items, and sends Compassion the proceeds. They will accept goods such as cell phones, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablets, vehicles, boats, jewelry, stock, real estate or gift cards.

Kars for Kids
The program is a national charity that provides free towing and a tax deduction certificate when you donate/recycle your car, motorcycle, RV, boat, trailer, jet ski, bus or snowmobile.

Vehicles for Charity
A local Colorado organization that will pick up old cars, auction them off and give the money to various local environmental non-profits in Colorado.

Wheels for Wishes
This Colorado based organization supports the Make A Wish Foundation with the proceeds of used donated vehicles. They accept as motor vehicles (both working and non-working) including cars, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV or boats. They offer free pick up and towing in all U.S. states. They also provide a tax deductible receipt. See website for more details.

Cell Phones

Altrusa International303-756-6158303-756-6158 (Marilyn Baker)
Local Colorado organization that accepts used mobile phones and donates them to the Donate a Phone campaign.

CITA
CITA is a wireless foundation committed to minimize the environmental impact of discarded cell phones. They have an extensive site of locations across the country to donate/recycle your old cell phone.

Call to Protect
They refurbish phones and donate them to domestic violence victims and professionals

Collective Good
Recycles and donates used mobile phones. Has over 50 different charities that you can directly donate your phone to just be downloading the form.

Verizon Wireless
Verizon has two wireless cell phone recycling programs. One program is called HopeLine, which collects phones, refurbishes them and then donates them to victims of domestic violence. They also have a Wireless Trade In Program that customers can submit an online appraisal and receive a Verizon Wireless gift card, depending on the value of their phone. The gift card can be used to purchase new phone or accessories.

Wireless Recycling
A separate site sponsored by Recellular, Inc. a company that refurbishes used cell phones. They donate phones to major non-profit organizations around the world. See site for specific drop off locations in your area.

Children / Kids

Parenting Place
A non-profit based in Boulder that supports and educates local families about parenting. They accept donations of all children and baby items including clothing, toys, books, art supplies and diapers.

Wee Cycle
WeeCycle's helps low income families with infants and toddlers in the Denver metro area by providing them with new and gently used baby gear free of charge. They serve families with infants and toddlers affected by poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and under-employment. To donate, go to 'Give Gear' page to see local drop off locations in the Denver metro area. They only accept items for children 0 to 3 years old.

RAFT
A local Colorado non-profit that gathers unwanted items from local businesses and upcycles them into interesting and unique learning activities. The accept a range of materials from individuals and companies including CDs, DVDs, bottle caps, corks, craft supplies, office supplies, small toys, fabric remnants, party supplies, lab equipment, magnets. Donations can be dropped off Tues-Sat or picked up.

Clothes The Deal Based in Los Angeles, Clothes The Deal assists low income men, women, and at risk youth empowering them to gain and sustain employment and achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success. They provide business clothing and training to help them gain employment and become self sufficient. Clothing donations must be sent to their Los Angeles facilities.

Cycla, LLC
Assists Thrift Stores and other secondary businesses recycle their clothing, shoes, other textiles, purses, belts, backpacks, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, mixed plastics and household metals. Recycle That is a sister consumer-focused organization that partners with charities and community groups to provide fundraising opportunities via recycling for similar items.

Dress for Success
A nonprofit that helps outfit low-income women with apparel for job interviews. Available in 24 cities.

Fairy Godmothers Inc.
Gives formal gowns, long bridesmaid dresses, dresses, shoes, evening bags, jewelry to high school girls from low-income families for their proms. Dresses must be fashionable and in good condition. This organization distributes dresses in the East coast area. See website for delivery addresses.

Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation The foundation sells used wedding dresses around the country to fulfill the wishes of terminally ill breast cancer patients. Accepts gowns, bridesmaids dresses, shoes, jewlry and other wedding accessories.

North Face
North Face has select retail stores that will accept used apparel and footwear that is any brand or condition. They have in-store bins to place the used items and will give you a $10 coupon as an incentive. The items collected are sent to a recycling center where they are sorted to be re-used or recycled. Recycled clothing and shoe products can be made into insulation, carpet padding, stuffing for toys and material for new clothing.

One Warm Coat
Gives coats to needy individuals and has locations around the country. Go to website to find a location in your area.

Patagonia
Through their 'Common Threads Garment Recycling Program', Patagonia will recycle customers worn out Capilene? Performance Baselayers, Patagonia fleece, Polartec? fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts. Items can be dropped off at retail stores or sent to their Service Center in Reno, NV. See website for address.

ThredUp
ThredUp is an online used clothing store that only accepts name brand items. They send you a pre-paid shipping bag to put your used clothing in. ThredUp goes through the bag and selects the items they think they can sell and purchase them from you. The items they can't sell they give to their charitable partners and textile recycling companies. Learn more.

Best Buy
Best Buy, through any of the U.S. stores, will take nearly any electronic device for recycling, with store credit offered for trade-ins with value. All products are recycled responsibly and third-party verified.

Beyond the Pod
They specialize in consumer electronics trade-in services.
They pay the consumer for discarded, broken or un-wanted
electronics. The consumer only pays for shipping. Available
to U.S. based consumers.

Community Computer Connection
Accepts donations of equipment, which are then refurbished for non-profits and schools throughout Colorado. They accept any computers, regardless of age or functionality, network equipment including servers and switches, and working flat screen displays. They do not accept Apple computers.

Computers for Community
Collects computers and distributes them to people in the community, primarily
schools. Accepts Apple computers.

Computers for Schools
Sponsored by the Technology Training Foundation of America they offer a program
to have good computers donated to schools. See their 'how to donate' page for
specifics of computer configurations that they request.

CycleBest.com
A team of environmental activists who believe that gadgets and green thumbs can go hand in hand. eCycleBest was created to employ a complete electronics recycling service, from buying old devices to giving them new life and selling them to on-the-budget gadget lovers. They recycle old phones, laptops and tablets for free and even purchase old electronics that still have market value. Go to their website to get instant money back quote.

Dell
Computers
Customers who use the service receive on line discounts good for future purchases.

Eco Cycle
Eco cycle is based in Boulder and computer equipment can
be dropped off at their ‘hard
to recycle’ location.

Electronic
Industries Alliance
Provides consumers with information on recycling and reuse opportunities
for used electronics. Including state and local collection programs, charitable
organizations and recyclers that accept used electronics.

Electronics Recycling Initiative
This organization is sponsored by the EPA and the US Postal Service. They have
an extensive list of computer recyclers in the country.

Electronic Recyclers International
Offers e-waste facilities in Colorado, California, Indiana,
Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Washington.
It recycles not only computer equipment but most electrical
equipment used in offices. This company does offer
certificates of destruction to ensure that all waste
is being handled responsibly and ethically.

George Washington High School, Denver
The STEM/IT club accept used computers refurbish them to donate them to low-income students who can't afford one. The club works alongside IT specialists to learn the trade as well as offer a product to their fellow classmates in need. They will accept Mac and PC desktops and laptops. They will also accept monitors, keyboards and mice. They do ensure that all data is destroyed and will provide a certificate as well as a tax deductible receipt. To donate, email donations@georgewashingtonstem.org or call 720-445-6960.

Goodwill
Goodwill has a partnership with Dell called Reconnect that
collects e-waste at local Goodwill locations. It is
a program meant for residential consumers that can
recycle their home computers and printers. All brands
accepted. Go to the website to find a local Goodwill
location that will accept e-waste.

Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (GRX)
GRX, located in Denver, Colorado, is a computer and electronics recycling company
in the Rocky Mountain region that offers drop-off and pick-up service. GRX
is a genuine recycler (NO landfilling, NO incineration, and NO exporting to
third world countries) that guarantees data destruction.

My Boneyard
Offers free computer and electronics recycling across the
country and even pays for shipping. They also provide a
reward system for the more your recycle with their company.
Go to website to complete the online form and
they will email you a pre-paid shipping label.

NextWorth
They offer an online service and have participating retail stores, such as Target, that will recycle used electronics such as ipods, iphones, cell phones and other electronic gadgets. Depending on the condition they will sell, upgrade or offer a trade-in program for your equipment.

Office Depot
Office Depot has a program called Tech Recycling Services. Customers purchase a "Tech Recycling Box" that is $5-$15 depending on size. Customers may fill it with as many computer and electronic devices as will fit in the box. Customers then bring the box, unsealed, to Office Depot where it will be responsibly recycled at a nearby facility.

RepowerIT, LLC.
We buy and sell all kinds of used high end IT equipment made by Dell, Cisco, and HP including computers, servers, towers, mainframes, switches, routers, monitors, phones, cable and wire. We also accept and recycle all kinds of computer scrap, no matter how small or large it is. Based in South Florida but do service nationwide.

Salma Systems
Will purchase used Computers, Servers, Monitors, Cisco and Telephone systems. They also offer recycling facilities. Will need to call them directly to schedule or arrange pickup and shipment.

Construction and Building Materials

C&A Floor coverings
Recycle old carpet and design it into new carpet. Deal with mainly corporate and business offices.

Center for Resource Conservation
The ReSource Yard salvages used building materials and resells them at great prices, making it possible to reuse and recycle building materials that are traditionally discarded during construction and demolition (C&D) and basic remodeling. ReSource Yard sales outlets are located in Boulder and Fort Collins in Colorado.

GreenCycling Homes
For Colorado residents this company offers pre-demolition interior recycling for homes before remodeling occurs.

Copy Machines

Corks

ReCork
Recycles all wine corks and distributes them to make new materials made from corks. Click on "Get Involved" to find a local drop off location in your area.

Costumes

Gott a Costume
They will accept adult and kids costumes. They do donate and sponsor non-profits, schools and community functions that need costumes and so rely heavily on individual donations. They can be shipped or dropped off at the Denver location at 15167 E. Hampden Avenue, Aurora.

Eyeglasses

Lions Clubs International
The Lions clubs collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses which are then distributed to people in need in developing countries. You can mail glasses to 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Or go to their site to find a local recycling center.

New Eyes for the Needy
Distributes glasses free worldwide. Accepts plastic and metal frames in any condition. Also accepts sunglasses and hearing aids.

Unite for Sight
Your eyeglasses (reading and distance) as well as non-prescription sunglasses will be distributed to children and adults in Nigeria, Malawi, Benin, Ghana, Uganda, Somalia, Cameroon, Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Tanzania, India, and Thailand.

Reconserve
Reconserve® is the largest recycler of bakery, cereal grain, snack foods, and related food by-products in the United States. They provide efficient removal and recycling services to the food and feed manufacturing industries nationwide. They process food waste from manufacturer's into a high-energy, palatable dried component for livestock feed, marketed under the DBP® brand.

Furniture & Housewares

A Bedder World
Based in Longmont, CO, they recycle not only mattresses, box springs and framers but also electronics, large furniture and appliances. You can drop off items or schedule a pick up. See website for details on pricing.

CSR Eco Solutions
Asocial enterprise dedicated to minimizing waste by donating and recycling corporate surplus furniture to local charities. They operate in the USA and Canada and accept any and all office furniture and equipment, regardless of location or condition.

Joy's Consignment Furniture
Based in the Denver, CO area, Joy's is a high-quality furniture consignment retailer. Click on Consignment Details for more specific information about furniture consignment.

Plain Jane Design
Anything but plain is a Boulder, Colorado based mosaic artist who reuses materials for her artwork. She accepts broken or chipped pottery, ceramics and mirrors that she re-purposes for her work. She also accepts musical instruments that can no longer be played.

Providers Resource Clearinghouse
PRC accepts donations in the Denver area from corporations and individuals of new and used office and household furnishings plus new office and household supplies, and finds new life for the items by recycling or redistributing them to other non-profits in Colorado and those individuals they serve for a small fee. Call directly to schedule a pick up.

Salvation Army
Will provide free pick up for most large furniture items. Advance notice must be given.

Spring Back Colorado
Based in Denver, CO, they recycle mattresses and bedding that can be dropped off or picked up.

Hangers

Hazardous Waste / Chemicals

Hearing Aids

Family Hearing Center
The Family Hearing Center, based in Colorado, also will accept used hearing aids and donate them to charity and low-income families. They will also accept hearing aid batteries for recycling.

Lions Club International
The Lions Club has a program called "Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) provides hearing aids for individuals with limited financial resources. They have Recycling Program Centers available in Canada, United States that individuals can drop off or mail hearing aids to them directly.

Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program
The Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program helps needy individuals obtain hearing aids. Many of our clubs work with non-profit organizations, hospitals, or school districts in their area to fund hearing aids or other hearing and speech related needs. Clubs collect used hearing aids, have them refurbished, and distribute them to people in need.

Starkey Hearing Foundation
Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting those permanently residing the in the U.S. who are deaf or hard of hearing and have no other resources to acquire hearing aids. Hear Now collects hearing aids for recycling purposes. Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated to the hearing aid recycling program. Please see website for shipping address.

Industrial / Manufacturing

Repurposed Materials
Repurposed Materials deals in repurposing and re-using byproducts and waste of manufacturing and industry materials. They accept materials such as containers, materials, billboards, scrap conveyor belting, drums, street sweeper brushes, roof insulations, etc., that are a byproduct of manufacturing and commerce that can be re-purposed "as is".

Jewelry

Animal Defenders International
They will accept all unwanted jewelry including gold, silver, costume jewelery and watches. They can accept all jewelry whether it has been used, damaged, or broken. On their website shows an address for sending it to the UK headquarters. Email them for a direct shipping address for the U.S. info@ad-international.org.

Junk Removal Companies

1-800-GOT JUNK?
Will pick up old furniture, appliances, yard waste, electronics and construction debris. Recycles items that can be recycled.

College Hunks Hauling Junk
College Hunks Hauling Junk? provides collegiate teams to remove junk quickly from anywhere within commercial or residential property. They donate a portion of revenues from each job to local college scholarship programs.

Gone for Good
A local Colorado company serving the Denver Metro area. They will come to your house or business and pick up items. Of those items they will resell, give to charity or recycle and try to reduce impact into the landfill.

Junk Genius
A franchised junk hauler with locations across the nation. They offer flat fee system.

Rubbish Works
A national US franchise that offers appliance, landscaping, commercial and household junk removal and recycling. They are able to recycle over 50% of the material they remove and are committed to disposing of junk items responsibly.

Keurig Cups

Grounds to Grow On
Keurig developed a K-cup recovery program. A company can order boxes (about $10 per box) that can be filled and then shipped to the recycler pre-paid. The K−Cup® pack is processed through a proprietary method, which separates the grounds from the actual plastic cup. The grounds are sent out for composting to be used in a variety of agricultural applications, the cup is then processed through Covanta Energy and are used in an energy-from-waste process. Keurig provides more information on their site.

Medical Supplies

Colorado Medication Take Back Project
The Colorado Medication Take-Back Project is a network of secure boxes for the collection of unused and unwanted household medications. The collection boxes can be found at eleven locations in the Denver front range and Summit County areas. The medications are collected and disposed of with other hazardous waste materials. They accept all prescription medications, over the counter medications, medication samples, pet medications, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions and inhalers.

Faith Alive Foundation - Nigeria
Provides medical and social services, free of charge to thousands of patients living in extreme poverty and many with HIV/AIDS, through the Faith Alive hospital in Jos, Nigeria. They accept most medical and surgical supply donations from manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical supply companies, dentists, or optometrists. To donate, email Right Fit Global Missions and the Faith Alive International Coordinator at fafnconnector@gmail.com or rightfitglobalmissions@gmail.com or call 970-229-0936.

HELP International
Collects and distributes food, clothing, medical and humanitarian aid to individuals, communities in the U.S. along with international communities.

Project C.U.R.E.
ProC.U.R.E. is the linchpin Project C.U.R.E. program in which Project C.U.R.E. receives medical supplies and biomedical equipment from medical manufacturers, wholesale distributors, suppliers, hospitals, clinics, and individuals from around the U.S. Project C.U.R.E. maintains large warehouse facilities across the United States to receive these generous in-kind donations. Because of Project C.U.R.E.'s large international distribution network, most items can be accepted, and all donations are receipted for tax purposes. For more information or to find a life-saving home for your surplus and gently used equipment and supplies, please contact procure@projectcure.org.

Medication

Colorado Medication Take Back Project
The Colorado Medication Take-Back Project is a network of secure boxes for the collection of unused and unwanted household medications. The collection boxes can be found at eleven locations in the Denver front range and Summit County areas. The medications are collected and disposed of with other hazardous waste materials. They accept all prescription medications, over the counter medications, medication samples, pet medications, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions and inhalers.

Providers Resource Clearinghouse
PRC accepts donations in the Denver area from corporations and individuals of new and used office and household furnishings plus new office and household supplies, and finds new life for the items by recycling or redistributing them to other non-profits in Colorado and those individuals they serve for a small fee. Call directly to schedule a pick up.

RAFT
A local Colorado non-profit that gathers unwanted items from local businesses and upcycles them into interesting and unique learning activities. The accept a range of materials from individuals and companies including CDs, DVDs, bottle caps, corks, craft supplies, office supplies, small toys, fabric remnants, party supplies, lab equipment, magnets. Donations can be dropped off Tues-Sat or picked up.

Paint

Note: Most paint and their cans are considered hazardous waste. If you do not recycle the paint, then it must be disposed of with your local hazardous waste collection.

Colorado Paint Recycling Centers
This list by Dave's Painting company, offers a comprehensive list of all facilities in Colorado that accept un-used or old paint. Be sure to call each resource to find out how they recycle it. Some organizations re-use the paint or give it away. Others treat it as hazardous waste or possibly recycle it using a certified paint recycler in the Colorado area.

Earth Paints
This Chicago based company has found a way to recycle old and unused latex paint. The paint is processed to be reused into new paint or specialty type cements. They also recycle the paint cans. Click on 'Locations' to find a paint collection center in the Illinois or Wisconsin areas. Call them directly if outside that area.

GreenSheen
GreenSheen is based in Centennial, Colorado and can recycle interior and exterior paint and the plastic and metal paint containers. They only accept latex paint (not oil or other chemical based paint) that is in liquid form and in the original packaging. Make sure not to consolidate partially full cans of paint, keep them in the original container no matter what the quantity. There is a small fee to recycle but they will give you a coupon for a good discount on the purchase of GreenSheen's recycled paint. Visit their contact us page to schedule a drop off or pick up.

Local High Schools Unused water-based paint (especially neutral colors) can be donated to local high schools who do set design for musical productions and performances. Call your local high school to inquiry directly.

PaintCare
PaintCare plans and operates paint stewardship programs in the United States. PaintCare has programs in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. States with PaintCare, have paint drop-off locations that are usually paint retailers who volunteer to take back certain paint products. To find a drop off location in your area, view their Drop Off Location Map.

Paint Genius
Paint Genius provides paint disposal & recycling options for Colorado residents, contractors, businesses and organizations. They will pick up un-used paint in turn for three referrals. Complete their online form to schedule a pick up.

Pantyhose & Tights

No Nonsense
No Nonsense collects all brnads of hose, tights and kneehighs which are then recycled into other products. Go to their site and download a mailing label, put them in a box or mailer and send them directly to their manufacturing plant.

Plastic Loose Fill Council
Consumers can drop off their leftover plastic packing peanuts at Peanut Hotline collection sites. There are over 1,500 collection sites in the US. Go to the site to enter your state to find a location near you.

Shipping Stores
Most local shipping stores will also accept used and clean peanuts, packing material and cardboard boxes. Make sure to call beforehand to see what type of items they will accept.

Pens

The Pen Guy
Costas Schuler is a graphic and web designer based in San Francisco. He collects worn out pens and uses them for art projects. He is known for his "Mercedes Pens" art car that has over 10,000 pens glued to the body. Pens can be mailed directly to Costas. The address is located on his website.

Pet Supplies

Humane Society
The local humane society dedicated to caring for abandoned animals will always accept used pet supplies. Humane societies are located across the U.S. In particular they need food bowls, leashes, pet food (unopened and not expired), dog and cat toys, pet bedding, used towels and sheets and unused medication. Make sure these items have been washed and are free from pet hair. This link will take you to the Humane Society of the U.S. to find the local shelter in your state and city.

Colorado Based Animal Shelters
This link by Animal Shelter will take you to a listing of all animal shelters located in Colorado. It will provide you a link to the animal shelters website. On most of the websites, they will have a listing of the type of pet products and supplies they need.

Plastic Containers and Packaging

Most #1 and #2 bottle plastic containers are recycled in most U.S. local recycling facilities. However #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 plastic containers are usually not widely accepted. Here are some recycling factilities that do accept the hard to recycle plastic containers and packaging:

Plastic Bag Recycling
They provide a list of all types of plastic bags that can be recycled and a list of drop off locations in all U.S. states.

Preserve's Grimme 5 Program
Accepts all #5 plastics containers, brita pitcher filters. They have recycle bins at select Whole Foods Markets and materials can also be shipped to them directly. See website for details.

Tom's of Maine and TerraCycle
Tom's of Maine and TerraCycle will recycle empty and used toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, floss containers, mouthwash bottles, soap packaging, and antiperspirant and deodorant containers. Shipping is provided and can be downloaded on the site. You can download and post this great visual poster to a box to remind your family of the type of items that can be recycled. They accept all brands of these products, not only Tom's of Maine.

Weisenback Reycled Products
They accept clean plastic bottle caps, plastic jap caps, flip top caps from personal care products and flexible snap on lids (e.g. butter or dairy lids) and convert them into other products. They also accept all #5 plastic containers such as yogurt cups, butter tubs and some tupperware containers. You can ship them to 437 Holtzman Avenue, Colombus, Ohio 43205.

Ink Guides
Offers information on how to recycle ink and toner cartridges and also list nationwide printer cartridge recycling programs.

Recycle Place
Will accept most inkjet, laser and toner cartridges and will offer money back anywhere from ten cents to a dollar depending on the type of cartridge. Will accept cartridges from companies, schools and individuals. Click on 'How to Collect' for more information on shipping procedures.

Nike Reuse a Shoe
Recycles shoes to foreign countries. Worn out shoes are recycled into courts, tracks and playgrounds.

One World Running
Since 1986, a group of runners in Boulder, Colorado, has collected, washed and sent to Third World countries new and "near-new" athletic shoes, T-shirts and shorts, along with medicine and school and art supplies. Shoes in good condition can be donated and sent or dropped off at the designated locations.

Sole 4 Souls
Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)3 recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Shoes for the Cure
A professional recycling company that partners with non-profit organizations to do shoe recycling. Essentially, a secure box is displayed for the shoe recycling at the non-profit's location. Then, depending on the amount of shoes received the non-profit will receive money. Contact them directly to set up a 'Shoe Drive'.

Sewing Materials / Textiles

Calling All Angels, 303-954-9146303-954-9146
A local Colorado organization that sews and knit blankets, hats, mittens, etc. for veterans, women's shelters, hospice and homeless. Will accept thread, buttons, trimmings, yarn and textiles. Call to arrange for pick up or drop off.

Sporting Goods / Outdoor Gear

Boulder Ski Deals
Accepts skis, snowboard boots, ski boots, bindings, poles and snowboards for
recycling. Usable equipment will be donated to charitable and domestic programs.
Equipment that cannot be reused will be shredded and made into new products.

Boulder Sports Recycler
Based in Boulder, they accept most sporting goods equipment
that is in good condition for consignment.

Gear4Good
Based out of New Mexico, they accepts used backpacks and other
outdoor gear for reuse in the mountaineering community in
the United States and throughout the world. Please go to website
for contact information and to view list of items needed.

Golf Clubs
Used golf clubs can usually be donated to local high school clubs. Reach out to the coach or athletic department of your local school. Most thrift stores will also accept used golf clubs.

Green Guru Gear
This Boulder based company is able to recycle nationally bike and outdoor gear including; climbing rope, tent and rain flys, road and mountain bike inner tubes, and neoprene wetsuits. They recycle these materials to make new outdoor gear. There are collection locations in most major cities and states or it can be mailed directly to their Boulder location. For specific questions email them at recycling@greengurugear.com.

Green Mountain Ski Furniture
Based out of Vermont, they also reuse old skis to custom
build furniture or will resell old skis. They will
pick up in the New England area only. They will accept
shipments but will not pay the cost of shipping.

Mountain Equipment Recyclers
MER is based in Colorado Springs and offers consignment or donation options for used outdoor, sports and mountain equipment. The consignor delivers (via drop off or mail) their gear to the store in Colorado Springs. When the items sell, the consignor receives a percentage of the selling price either in cash or store credit. Items donated contribute to a greater cause! 50% of the sale of donated gear is given directly to local non-profit organizations assisting military veterans. For more information on types of equipment to donate, please email them at store@merecyclers.com.

Passages Northwest
This organization inspires girls and young women of diverse
backgrounds to discover leadership skills through outdoor
exploration. Takes tents, sleeping bags, day packs and
hiking boots for women or girls. Call 206-286-8601 to find
out where to send items to.

Play it Again Sports
Donate used sports gear at local retail store ‘Play
it Again’. They donate to non-profit kids sports
programs.

ReBounces
They restore old tennis balls that have lost their bounce. Go to their website to complete form to receive a prepaid shipping label. For more details email them at recycle@rebounces.com.

Recycle Your Mat
The Manduka yoga mat company now recycles all brands of old, torn or dirty yoga mats. They don't accept natural rubber mats (e.g. Manduka eKO or Jade mats). You can mail the old mats to 1323 SE 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214.

Reeski
This Aspen, CO based company reuses old skis and snowboards
and creates outdoor furniture and household items.

Skichair
Based out of Massachusetts, they makes chairs and ottomans
out of skis, snow boards, hockey sticks, baseball
bats and golf clubs. Also sells do-it-yourself
plans to create these items out of your own materials.

Snow Sports Recycling Program
Based in Colorado, this organization helps to recycle all snow sports equipment. They have over 40 drop off locations around Colorado. See website for exact locations. It is affiliated with the Waste-Not Recycling program.

Sports Gift
Donates used sports equipment to the world’s
impoverished children. Will accept individual donations
along with sports teams, leagues, clubs or schools.
Based in LA goods can be dropped off at their location
or mailed. See website for specific list of types of
sports equipment accepted and mailing directions.

Telephones & Smartphones

Call to Protect
Refurbishes old cell phones or smartphones and donates them to organizations commited to helping victims of domestic violence. Make sure to deactivate your phone service, turn the phone off and leave the battery attached. You can mail the phone to US Postal Service, PO Box 9998, Dexter, MI 48130 or download the mailing label here.

Cell Phones for Soldiers
This organization donates used cell phones to American servicemen and women deployed overseas who often do not have an affordable option to call home. Phones call be mailed directly to their offices based in Fort Worth, TX or they have hundreds of drop off locations in the US and abroad. See their website for exact details.

eRecycling Corps
Offers a trade-in or restore service for all cell phone and mobile devices.

Wireless Alliance
They accept cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, iPods, digital cameras, and iPads regardless of age or condition. They also accept charges, rechargeable cell phone batteries, phone accessories including Bluetooth, air cards, clips and cases as well as the paper manuals and plastic packaging. They will pay for shipping.

Telephones are considered electronic waste and can be recycled with e-waste providers. Most of the large cell phone providers, Sprint, AT&T and Verizon also have recycling programs available.

Trophies & Plaques

Lamb Awards and Engraving
A company based in Maryland that will accept used and/or damaged trophies. They will donate matching sets to charities and ones damaged will break down and use for parts. Please send them an email before sending at internet@lambawards.com and include "recycling" in your subject line.

Tyvek Materials

Dupont
Tyvek Recycling Program
Tyvek envelopes and other materials are made from #2 plastic and can be recycled however, not in your regular curbside recycling programs. DuPont has partnered with Waste Management to offer a recycling kit. All Tyvek type materials including banners, signs, envelopes, wristbands and other printed Tyvek materials are accepted and when recycled are re-purposed for decking, playground equipment and pipes. Order the Tyvek recycling kit.

Video/Audio Cassettes

Water Bottles

Metal Water Bottles: All metal water bottles can be recycled in single stream recycling and/or scrap metal recycling. Be sure to remove any plastic caps.

Plastic Water Bottles: Look for a #1, #2 or #5 on the bottom of the plastic bottle. If it has those numbers, most can be recycled in single stream recycling.

Insulated Water Bottles: Insulated water bottles cannot be recycled intact, they must be separated in order to be recycled. Polar Bottles provide instructions on how to take apart water bottles as well as will accept them for recycling and offer a coupon towards a new Polar water bottle.

Windows

Clear Intentions Clear Intentions is a minority woman-owned and operated business located in Denver, Colorado that diverts glass from landfills and processes it into a high-quality crushed glass. They focus on convenient collection for communities and businesses via drop-off locations and glass valet pick-up. They accept most consumer glass (wine, liquor, beer bottles and food jars) and Industrial glass (windows). Refer to their site for the items they do not accept.

X-Rays

Xray Film RecyclingThey pick-up your outdated / end of life X-Ray and MRI film anywhere in the US for silver recovery purposes. Their X-Ray recycling program includes a free pick-up and cash back for your x-ray films. They also provide a HIPAA compliant certificate of destruction for your film including paper jackets and all other medical related records we receive along with it. The B.W. Recycling vendor is licensed and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and the process is 100% eco-friendly.

National Recycling Resources

1-800-Recycling.com
Offers a recycling location database with resources nationwide in the U.S. They also have a great blog and resources on other items related to recycling and donation used materials.

Donation Town
An organization that connects donators and local charities all over the U.S. to donate clothes and household items. You can arrange pick up service directly on the site. Donation Town does not charge charities or donors to use their website.

Earth 911
This site offers recycling and reuse information
for almost anything. You can enter your zip
code and it will list recycling facilities or
re-use options in your area.

Excess Access
This organization matches up donors of goods to area
non-profits, schools, government organizations,
etc., that have a designated wish list of items
needed.

Freecycle
The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual
groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement
of people who are giving (& getting) stuff
for free in their own towns. Each local group
is run by a local volunteer moderator. See site
for more details.

National Recycling Coalition
This is a national non-profit advocacy group with
members that span all aspects of waste reduction,
reuse and recycling in North America.

Raymond Communications
An organization that tracks global and state wide
legislation on recycling. It has newsletters
of state recycling laws, electronic recycling
and international recycling laws.